Recipe · 4 min · 1 bowl
Traditional Matcha (Usucha)
Sift about 1–2 grams (½–1 tsp) ceremonial matcha, add ~2–3 oz water at 160–175°F, and whisk in a zigzag until frothy.
Usucha is the everyday thin matcha bowl—not a formal tea ceremony. All you need is good powder, warm water, and a whisk.
Ratio: 1–2 g matcha : 2–3 oz water
Ingredients
- ½–1 tsp (1–2 g) Ceremonial matcha
- 2–3 oz Hot water — 160–175°F
Equipment
- Sifter
- Matcha bowl
- Bamboo whisk
- Scoop
Steps
Step 1
Warm and sift
Warm your bowl with hot water, discard the water, then sift matcha into the dry bowl.
Step 2
Add water
Pour 2–3 oz hot (not boiling) water over the powder.
Step 3
Whisk
Whisk briskly in a W shape until the surface is foamy and no clumps remain. Drink immediately.
Common mistakes
- Boiling water.
- Too much powder for a first bowl.
- Stirring in slow circles instead of aerating.
Variations
- Thicker koicha uses more powder and less water—save that for later.
Matcha we recommend
Jade Leaf Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha (30g Tin)
Best for: Straight drinking, everyday usucha, light lattes
Origin: Japan · Uji / Kagoshima
Widely available Teahouse Edition tin—beginner-friendly ceremonial matcha with a mild daily-drinking profile.
Encha Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha (30g)
Best for: Straight drinking, premium usucha
Origin: Japan · Uji
First-harvest organic Uji matcha for drinkers who want café-quality straight bowls.
Kenko Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha (30g)
Best for: Beginners learning whisking, everyday bowls
Origin: Japan · Nishio
USDA organic ceremonial tin that’s hard to mess up while you learn technique.
Helpful tools
Jade Leaf Bamboo Matcha Whisk + Scoop Set
Best for: Traditional foam and texture for usucha
Bamboo chasen + scoop from Jade Leaf—soak briefly before use for flexible tines.
Ceramic Matcha Bowl (from YIBO starter kit)
Best for: Whisking room and comfortable drinking
Wide ceramic bowl with pour spout—sold as part of the YIBO 7-piece kit on Amazon.
Jade Leaf Stainless Steel Matcha Sifter
Best for: Clump-free whisking and smoother lattes
Fine stainless mesh that breaks up clumps in seconds—highly rated Jade Leaf accessory.
FAQ
Do I need a ceremonial bowl?
A wide bowl helps, but any wide ceramic bowl works while you learn.